Demetrius "D." Cranford

Funeral services for Demetrius “D.” Cranford, 96, of Sycamore will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the Bethel Baptist Church, Sycamore, GA with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Cranford died Wednesday at the Fitzgerald Nursing Home following an extended illness.

Mr. Cranford was born October 13, 1915 in Dooly County, Ga. to the late Leon Smith Cranford and Linnie Seago Cranford. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Rutha Mae Stone Cranford in 1966; his sister, Pauline Cranford Drawdy; and three brothers, Leonard Cranford, Bill Cranford, and Leon Cranford. He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Thomas Alton York; a daughter-in-law, Loyce “Cricket” Cranford and a granddaughter, Sonya Lynn Cook.

Mr. Cranford worked for Tift County Auto Parts where he was a renowned crank shaft grinder who invented a grinder for lawn mower crank shafts. He was a cattleman and farmer who loved to be outside tending his land, especially his cows. He was a gifted guitarist who loved to play for his church, Mt. Zion Holiness Baptist of Enigma, GA and for family gatherings. He attended Bethel Baptist Church. He was a talented wood worker who built a bedroom set for his wife, Guy Nell and many pieces for his family and friends.

Mr. Cranford is survived by his wife of 45 years, Guy Nell Scoggins Oliver Cranford, Sycamore, his children, Melba Cranford York, of Tifton; Jerry Cranford of Tifton; Terry & Cindy Cranford of Omega; William & Myra Oliver of Ty Ty; Gloria Jean Oliver Harper of Leesburg; his sister, Gladys Mixon of McDonough; his brother and sister-in-law, Merrill & Ruth Cranford of Jonesboro; his grandchildren, Natalie & Kerry Underwood of Ty Ty; Anita & James Everest of Milliken, Co; Tabitha & Vaughn Beason of Marysville, TN; Natosha Cranford of Knoxville, TN; Sgt. Terry Dee & Samantha Cranford of Irwinville; Steve & Susie Lynn of Winona, MN; H.M.2. Cagney Noland of Marietta; Courtney Noland of Omega; Andy & Kim Oliver of Ty Ty; Amy & Michael Marchant of Tifton; and Kimberly & Roger Russell of Leesburg. Also surviving are his great grandchildren, Kirsten & Gannon Underwood, T.J. Everest, Nicole & Brianna Rooks, Brandon Beason, Riley Grace, Rosston & Zain Cranford, Dean Oliver, Mallory, Kimble & Rainee Marchant, Cameron Rambo, Malachi & Elim Russell and two great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Chapel in Ashburn.